Do you think you have game? The girls from Renfrew Elementary definitely do. A group of ten girls in grades 4 to 7 recently took part in a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative associated with Dell Technologies called, Girls Who Game. The program is a Microsoft pilot program that is focused on increasing young girls' access to technology to prepare them for success in the digital world.
By using the popular computer game Minecraft, Girls Who Game provides female students with the opportunity to learn by play and strengthen their STEM-related skills.
According to the program's coach at the school and the students' teacher, Eliza Hoang, a study in the United States suggests that less than 50% of high school girls in North America know of any women in a STEM-related career. "Girls Who Game is a program that is trying to change that," says Hoang.
Not only is participating in the program encouraging girls in STEM areas, it also allows them to learn the importance of teamwork. "We showed communication and collaboration by working together as a team of ten girls to build a school in Minecraft," says Grade 7 student, Tasha. "We learned a lot about responsibility in Girls Who Game. We learned that as a team, we need to remember to show up to meetings because we depend on each other," adds fellow Grade 7 student Savannah.
Furthermore, the girls got to collaborate with students in other districts and around the country in challenges that focused on coding, inclusiveness and sustainability.
"Girls Who Game is such a great model and mentorship initiative for our diverse community of learners," says Harjinder Sandhu, principal of Renfrew Elementary. "It was fabulous to see a lead team of girls talk about STEM and model technology to our school community and beyond. Our entire community has been excited by their success."
Now that most of the girls at Renfrew have now completed the program, Dell Technologies has asked the group to continue in the program as Junior Mentors. This mentorship role entails supporting other schools and districts that are running the program by helping troubleshoot and answer questions. "This is a very exciting opportunity for the girls because they will be taking their learning to the next level," says Hoang.
It is hoped the Girls Who Game program will help girls, like the Renfrew Elementary students, have confidence to choose a career in STEM in the future.
